![]() ![]() She was the first Black woman to sue a white man in a United States court and prevail. Months later, Isabella won her case and regained custody of her son. With the help of the Van Wagenens, she filed a lawsuit to get him back. Sojourner Truth, First Black Woman to Sue White Man–And WinĪfter the New York Anti-Slavery Law was passed, Dumont illegally sold Isabella’s five-year-old son Peter. When Dumont came to reclaim his “property,” the Van Wagenens offered to buy Isabella’s services from him for $20 until the New York Anti-Slavery Law emancipating all enslaved people took effect in 1827 Dumont agreed. Isabella made her way to New Paltz, New York, where she and her daughter were taken in as free people by Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen. In what must have been a gut-wrenching choice, she left her other children behind because they were still legally bound to Dumont. She later said, “I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be all right.” Incensed, Isabella completed what she felt was her obligation to Dumont and then escaped his clutches, infant daughter in tow. ![]() In the meantime, Dumont promised Isabella he’d grant her freedom on July 4, 1826, “if she would do well and be faithful.” When the date arrived, however, he had a change of heart and refused to let her go. At the turn of the 19th century, New York started legislating emancipation, but it would take over two decades for liberation to come for all enslaved people in the state. ![]()
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